His son Omar Mateen carried out America's worst mass shooting, murdering 49 people at the Pulse gay nightclub, earlier this year.

Seddique Mateen later sparked controversy when it emerged he had previously made pro-Taliban comments on a satellite TV show he hosts.

After the rally Mr Mateen told Florida TV station WPTV people should not be surprised by his presence and claimed he was invited.

He said: "Why should they be surprised? I love the United States, and I've been living here a long time. We've been cooperating with the federal government, and that's about it. Hillary Clinton is good for United States versus Donald Trump, who has no solutions."

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Asked why he attended the rally he said: "I spoke a lot about that and wish that my son joined the Army and fought Isis. That would be much better."